Cross-continental South America Chile – Bolivia - Peru
Go from arid desert to the lush floating islands of Lake Titicaca in this continent-spanning holiday across the backbone of South America. Embark on horse-rides through the sand, trek up high through the mountains and take 4x4's along the Bolivian Altiplano.
| Best travel time | ALL YEAR ROUND |
|---|---|
| Ideal Length | 15 DAYS |
| Flight time | 25HRS FROM HONG KONG 27HRS FROM BEIJING 24HRS FROM SHANGHAI |
| Visa Information |
Visa Required
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Visa is required for most countries: Chilean Visa |
This truly grand adventure spans three countries across the South American continent. If a holiday that encompasses deserts, mountains and lakes is your kind of thing, then look no further. You’ll be able to ride horses across the desert, go star gazing in the open wilderness and kayak across Lake Titicaca, amongst many other mind-blowing activities in this action-packed trip. This is the chance to explore the remote, out of your daily routine, as you travel into some of the world’s most isolated and beautiful locations.
Wow-inspiring Nature
Depart home and head to Santiago. From there you’ll transfer straight away to San Pedro de Atacama. Your flights are over for now, as you rest up in your chic hotel, right in the heart of the Atacama Desert, this hotel looks out towards the Licancabur Volcano. From this base camp, visit a few of the local sights, bike to the nearby salt lagoon or explore the desert’s mysteries, embark on a mountain bike ride to Laguna Cejar and a refreshing dip in the salt lake.
The next morning you’ll be up early to start your horse trek deep into the desert. Make your way through the eerie Valley of the Moon and Cordillera de la Sal before you set up camp for an incredible night with only the rocky desert around you. Horse-trek your way back to San Pedro in time for a sumptuous meal and a comfortable night’s sleep, for tomorrow you’ll be transported to the Bolivian border by 4×4.
VICUNAS AND FLAMINGOS
As you drive through this stunning and remote country, you will cross the stunning Bolivian Altiplano, past villages that still live as they have done for hundreds of years. You will pass amazing lakes and lagoons coloured green and deep red, and onwards to the beautiful Lago Colorado. The desolation, vastness and vividness of Bolivia’s southern Altiplano has lead to it being nicknamed “Salvador Dali’s Desert” and the altitude gives you a sense of being closer to the sky. The air is so clean and unpolluted that you will basking in some of the clearest skies in the world. After reaching the altitude of 4,500m, you will pass the beautiful Green and Red Lagoons of Bolivia, before arriving at a wonderfully rustic lodge, which is the best accommodation in the area and is close to the spectacular Lago Colorado.
Here you will stay overnight at the rustic yet luxurious lodge, and enjoy this fantastically remote location at 4,500 meters above sea level. Again, the night sky is priceless here, as there is no light pollution for hundreds of miles. The following day you will move out into an even remote part of the continent as you head into the wilds of Bolivia by 4×4, passing the base of the volcano Licancabur. After a brief dip in some welcoming thermal baths, you will make your way across the unique landscape of the Altiplano via lakes, hot springs and geysers. Along the way you will see sulphuric lakes, flamingo colonies and possibly the elusive and rare vicuna.
Triumph over the Andeans
From the salt flats we’ll fly you to La Paz. This incredible flight has stunning views across the Altiplano, and you’ll fly past the highest peak in Bolivia – Sajama – which stands at 7,000 metres. After this truly jaw-dropping sight, you’ll head north and eventually drop down into the capital city of La Paz. From La Paz you will explore the north in to the Cordillera Real range of Mountains, and the stunning Condoriri Valley of the Andes Mountains, where you will start a thrilling and challenging 3 day, 2 night trek past the Tuni reservoir and into the amphitheater of the Condoriri valley. The thirteen distinct peaks, each attainable in a day from the same base camp, are a climbers dream.To climax, your final trekking day will wind up the glacial moraine towards the breath-taking Austria pass at nearly 5,000m.From this vantage point, you can enjoy views of the entire Condoriri range, the mighty Huayna Potosi beyond it, and the Juri Khota Valley in the other direction – no panoramic photo will ever do it justice. If you still have the strength, there is the option to continue to the summit of the Austria Peak, at 5,150m. This is a non-technical ascent on rock and sand, but still gives you the claim to have conquered an Andean summit.
Heavenly Lake
The trip through Bolivia finishes at Lake Titicaca – the largest body of water in South America and highest navigable lake in the World. Here you will spend days paddling from island to island on your own kayak.
Perfect Ending
From one mode of transport to another, your journey continues on the Andean Explorer from Lake Titicaca tohistorical capital of Cusco. The train travels over 4,320 metres through some very remote lands as you journey across the beautiful Peruvian Altiplano towards the cloud forest and Cusco itself where your journey concludes.
Inspired? Get in touch with our destination expert who can help you tailor this trip.
